Curriculum

T and I

The Middlebury Institute Master of Arts in Translation, Master of Arts in Translation and Interpretation, and Master of Arts in Conference Interpretation are four-semester, 60-credit programs.

All three degrees share the following offerings. For differences, see the program details below.

Specializations

Localization Management Specialization

This 14-credit specialization in Localization Management allows students in our other translation and interpretation degree programs to be more competitive in the industry. This specialization incurs additional costs and adds a semester to your degree. Sample courses:

Computer-Assisted Translation

Localization Project Management

Multilingual Desktop Publishing

Software and Games Localization

Website Localization

Spanish Community Interpreting Specialization

This 10-credit Spanish Community Interpreting specialization is designed to complement the Spanish translation, interpretation, and localization management degrees with the professional and linguistic knowledge needed for the fields of legal and medical interpreting. This specialization incurs additional costs and adds summer study to your degree.

Internships

Many students take on summer internships to apply their developing skills. Because of the Institute’s reputation, students have access to professional opportunities at many international organizations, such as the United Nations, the Organization of American States, the U.S. Department of State, and the National Security Agency, as well as at software companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, international corporations and law firms, and translation agencies. These professional opportunities often lead to full-time and freelance work upon graduation.

Advanced Entry

We offer a 30-credit, two-semester program to students who have substantial prior course work in translation and interpretation as well as professional experience in the field. Visit How to Apply for details.

Master of Arts in Translation

Start Date

Credits

Practicum

Language Competency

August

60

Required (thesis option)

Required

Core Course Work

Translation

Learn to provide high-quality translation and independently edit and revise pieces using the latest in computer-assisted translation technologies. You will be introduced to a variety of genres and fields, including politics, economics, science, and technology.

Interpretation

During your first semester, you can try interpretation courses to see if your skills and interests are compatible with those of interpreters.

Tools and Technology

The translation market is constantly adapting to new technologies. Gain experience and familiarity with these technologies and consider the ways in which they will facilitate and affect your professional practice.

Theory

Explore the latest theories in translation research so you are familiar with the current work being done in the field and consider the impact this has on your own translation work.

Professional Skills

Participate in Translation and Interpretation as a Profession, a career-focused course that helps prepare you for the markets in which you may work. In conjunction with this course, your career and academic advisor will provide information and guidance regarding your career goals.

Electives

You will complete your degree with electives of your choice. You can take literary translation, pursue further interpretation course work, learn more about project management, or take general courses from other programs to build on your expertise.

Practicum

Gain real-world experience by completing a two-semester translation practicum, in which you experiment with your individual translator styles and explore the complexities of working with others on large-scale projects.

Sample Course Schedule TRANSLATION

Fall Start, Full Time, Four Semesters

Fall 1

16 Credits

Introduction to Translation (B–A, A–B)

8

Introduction to Interpretation (B–A, A–B)

4

Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation

2

Elective Courses

2

Spring 1

14 Credits

Intermediate Translation (B–A, A–B)

8

Advanced Computer-Assisted Translation

2

Elective Courses

4

Fall 2

15 Credits

Research on TILM

2

Advanced Translation I (A–B, B–A)

8

Translation Practicum

2

Elective Courses

3

Spring 2

15 Credits

Translation and Interpretation as a Profession

2

Advanced Translation II (A–B, B–A)

8

Translation Practicum

2

Elective Courses

3

TOTAL

60

Master of Arts in Translation and Interpretation

Start Date

Credits

Thesis and/or Practicum

Language Competency

August

60

Optional

Required

Core Course Work

Translation

Learn to provide high-quality translation and independently edit and revise pieces using the latest in computer-assisted translation technologies. You will be introduced to a variety of genres and fields, including politics, economics, science, and technology.

Interpretation

Learn to interpret in both consecutive and simultaneous modes across a variety of genres and fields. You will also learn to work in interpretation booths and gain experience with various technologies used for interpretation in today’s markets.

Tools and Technology

The translation market is constantly adapting to new technologies. Gain experience and familiarity with these technologies and consider the ways in which they will facilitate and affect your professional practice.

Theory

Explore the latest theories in translation research so you are familiar with the current work being done in the field, and consider the impact this has on your own translation work.

Professional Skills

Gain real-world experience by participating in the student-run Fall Forum. You will use your interpretation skills with a live audience. You’ll also participate in Translation and Interpretation as a Profession, a career-focused course that helps prepare you for the markets in which you may work. In conjunction with this course, your career and academic advisor will provide information and guidance regarding your career goals.

Electives

You will complete your degree with electives of your choice. You can take literary translation, pursue further interpretation course work, build your confidence in public speaking, or take general courses from other programs to build on your expertise.

Sample Course Schedule TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION

Fall Start, Full Time, Four Semesters

Fall 1

14 Credits

Introduction to Translation (B–A, A–B)

8

Introduction to Interpretation (B–A, A–B)

4

Introduction to Computer-Assisted Translation

2

Spring 1

16 Credits

Intermediate Translation (B–A, A–B)

8

Intermediate Interpretation—Consecutive (B–A, A–B)

4

Intermediate Interpretation—Simultaneous (B–A)

2

Advanced Computer-Assisted Translation

2

Fall 2

15 Credits

Research on TILM

2

Advanced Translation I (A–B, B–A)

4

Advanced Interpretation I—Consecutive (B–A, A–B)

4

Advanced Interpretation I—Simultaneous (B–A)

2

Elective Courses

3

Spring 2

15 Credits

Translation and Interpretation as a Profession

1

Advanced Translation II (A–B, B–A)

4

Advanced Interpretation II—Consecutive (B–A, A–B)

4

Advanced Interpretation II—Simultaneous (B–A)

2

Elective Courses

4

TOTAL

60

Master of Arts in Conference Interpretation

Start Date

Credits

Practicum

Language Competency

August

60

Required

Required

Core Course Work

Translation

During your first year, you will explore translation skills, to build both your language awareness and terminology in your A and B languages.

Interpretation

Work in and out of both your A and B languages in consecutive and simultaneous environments. Explore a variety of genres and fields, including politics, economics, science, and technology. Learn to work in interpretation booths and gain experience with various technologies used for interpretation in today’s markets.

Tools and Technology

The translation market is constantly adapting to new technologies. Gain experience and familiarity with these technologies and consider the ways in which they will facilitate and affect your professional practice.

Theory

Explore the latest theories in translation research so you are familiar with the current work being done in the field and consider the impact this has on your own translation work.

Professional Skills

Participate in Translation and Interpretation as a Profession, a career-focused course that helps prepare you for the markets in which you may work. In conjunction with this course, your career and academic advisor will provide information and guidance regarding your career goals.

Electives

You will complete your degree with electives of your choice. You can explore the Mindfulness for Interpreters course, pursue further translation course work, build your confidence in public speaking, or take general courses from other programs to build on your expertise.

Practicum

Gain real-world experience by completing a two-semester interpretation practicum in which you will provide simultaneous and consecutive interpretation services in public venues, including conferences and even some of the Institute’s multilingual interdisciplinary courses.